Cradled among the picturesque hills of the Western Ghats, the panoramic beauty, the charming green valleys with its luxuriant tropical vegetation, the quaint houses and the ruins of the old and historic buildings bringing ancient splendor to life, all combine to make Goa an earthly paradise. Once a Portuguese possession in India, Goa has numerous beautiful beaches to sun-bathe, swim or just laze away in the vast expanse of the dazzling white sands fringed with swaying palm trees. Cozy eating places serve the famous Goan curries and excellent wines.
The remnants of the Portuguese civilization can be seen in the old Goa. Among the still surviving ancient Portuguese churches are the two World Heritage Sites of Bom Jesus Basilica and Convent of St. Francis Xavier, amongst certain other designated convents, built in the sixteenth century, where the body of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, is enshrined in an exquisitely carved glass and silver casket. (the patron of the Archdiocese of Goa is actually the Blessed Joseph Vaz). Once every twelve years, the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing. The last such event was conducted in 2004. The Velhas Conquistas regions are also known for its Goa-Portuguese style architecture. There are many forts in Goa such as Tiracol, Chapora, Corjuem, Aguada, Gaspar Dias and Cabo de Rama. In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them are in a dilapidated condition. Fontainhas in Panaji has been declared a cultural quarter, showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Some influences from the Portuguese era are visible in some of Goan temples, notably the Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalasa Temple, although after 1961, many of these were demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style.
The name Goa came to European languages from the Portuguese, but its precise origin is unclear. In ancient literature, Goa was known by many names such as Gomanta, Gomanchala, Gopakapattam, Gopakapuri, Govapuri, Govem, and Gomantak.
A native of Goa is called a Goan in English, Goenkar in Konkani, Goês (male) or Goesa (female) in Portuguese, and a Govekar in Marathi. Goa has a population of 1.344 million residents, making it fourth smallest after Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, Indian state.
